Breakfast - Most Important Meal of the Day

Children who eat a nutritious breakfast have better concentration at school and are
therefore at an advantage.

TEXARKANA, Ark. –

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." We've heard it hundreds of times,
yet for many individuals, including children, they would rather sleep a few more minutes
than sit down to breakfast, or even grab something as they run out the door.

Both researchers and teachers will tell you that children who eat something for breakfast
are better learners. Children who have eaten breakfast are more likely to have better
concentration, have more problem-solving skills, and better hand-eye coordination.

Smart choices for breakfast include whole grains, fruit and low-fat dairy products.
The whole grains and fruit contain high amounts of fiber, which tend to fill you up
faster and will delay symptoms of hunger for hours.

For many children, if they have a bowl of cold cereal and a glass of milk, they are
happy, while others need a more hearty breakfast meal. You know what type of breakfast
eater you have, and need to plan accordingly.

If all your child wants for breakfast is cold cereal, make a choice that will help
them make it through until lunch. Look for whole grains, with 3 to 5 grams of fiber
and make sure sugar doesn’t appear as one of the first three ingredients on the nutrition
facts label. Sugar may be disguised as a word that ends in “ose.” “Ose” words mean
that some form of sugar is in the product. Some of the sugar-coated or frosted cereals
may have as much as 2-3 teaspoons of sugar for a 1 ounce serving.

Oatmeal is another high fiber choice, and with the variety of instant oatmeal available
today, there is surely a flavor your kids will enjoy. It can be prepared in fewer
than 2 minutes in a disposable cup or bowl. When paired with fresh fruit and milk,
you have a healthy breakfast in a matter of minutes.

If your children want leftover pizza for breakfast, let them have it. A traditional
breakfast isn’t necessary, as long as it is nutritious and well balanced. The combinations
are limited only by your creativity and imagination. Think out of the box for breakfast
ideas, including ways you can save time in the morning. Try some of these ideas.

• Mash a banana into peanut butter and spread over whole wheat toast in
fewer than 3 minutes. This one makes eating on the run easy.

• Keep muffins in the freezer and warm them up in the microwave.

• A breakfast casserole takes a little time to prepare but it can be done
the evening before then refrigerated. Pop it in the oven in the morning for 45 minutes
while everyone is getting ready and you have a quick and nutritious breakfast!

• Set the breakfast table the night before, even if it's only for juice
and cereal. You’ll be surprised at how much time it will save you.

• Most kids love French toast, plus it is quick and, easy. Add a little
cinnamon to the egg batter for variety. For smaller children, cut the toast into shapes.

• Keep pancake or waffle batter in the refrigerator in a covered bowl, ready
to pour on the griddle.

• Use last nights left over chicken and make quesadillas or breakfast burritos
in a matter of minutes. Wrap in a paper towel and they can be eaten on the bus or
in the car on the way to school.

• Create your own specialty breakfast biscuit. Between the biscuit, place
a cooked egg, a sausage patty, a small chicken patty, or a slice of ham with cheese
melted on top. This is super quick when you use your leftover biscuits from the weekend.

• Greek yogurt is always a fast choice. With the amount of protein in it,
it will help tide you over until lunch. Pair it with a carbohydrate such as fresh
fruit and you have a potable breakfast.

• Let’s not forget fruit. Most of it can be just washed and eaten. No prep
required, but will add vitamins that your brain needs.

Breakfast doesn’t have to be time consuming or a hassle. Just as you plan what school
supplies and clothes to purchase, keep in mind what healthy breakfast foods you will
have on hand as well. For more information on creative breakfast ideas, or recipes,
contact the Miller County Extension Office, 870-779-3609 or visit us in room 215 at
the Miller County Courthouse. We're online at cdue@uaex.edu, on Facebook at UAEXMillerCountyFCS/CarlaDue,
on Twitter @MillerCountyFCS or on the web at uaex.edu/Miller

By Carla Due County Extension Agent - FCSThe Cooperative Extension
ServiceU of A System Division of Agriculture

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal
access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to
participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension
office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible
persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national
origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information,
or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
Employer.